Multidirectional headlamp mount with manually adjustable elevation angle

ABSTRACT

A headlamp mounting system for an automobile includes respective headlamp housings for holding monofilament headlamps. Also, respective bases are attached to the automobile and each base is pivotably engaged with a respective one of the headlamp housings. An activating shaft extends between the headlamp housings and is connected to each, and an activating rod is connected to a radially protruding ear of the activating shaft. The activating rod is coupled to an operating knob in the passenger compartment, and the knob can be pushed and pulled as desired by an occupant to cause the activating rod to reciprocate and, thus, to rotate the activating shaft and hence pivot the headlamp housings. Thereby, the elevation angle of the headlamp beams is selectively established, with a high angle establishing a high beam orientation and a low angle establishing a low beam orientation. A spool having front and rear ends is pivotably engaged with the activating rod in the passenger compartment. The high beam orientation is established when the front end abuts the automobile and the low beam orientation is established when the rear end abuts the automobile, thereby establishing the limit of travel of the activating rod. The spool can be rotated on the rod as desired to vary the high beam and low beam orientations.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/545,979,filed Oct. 20, 1995 U.S. Pat. No. 5,639,155.

This patent application is related to commonly-assigned U.S. patentapplication Ser. No.: 95-1836! for an invention entitled "METHOD ANDAPPARATUS FOR ATTACHING COMPOSITE PLASTIC AUTOMOBILE BODY TO STEELAUTOMOBILE FRAME", incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to automobiles, and moreparticularly to headlamps for lightweight, cost-effective automobiles.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

As is well known, consumers demand a choice between many differentmodels of automobiles. Depending on the circumstances, some consumersmight desire a simple yet effective automobile, with the principal andindeed overriding consideration being cost. With this in mind, thepresent invention recognizes that it is possible to provide an effectiveand useful automobile, the cost of which can be minimized by minimizingthe weight of the automobile and by using the novel structure disclosedherein.

More specifically, the present invention recognizes that the cost of anautomobile can be minimized by minimizing the weight of the automobile.This is because a lightweight automobile, among other things, can bepropelled by a relatively small, fuel-efficient power plant.Additionally, certain lightweight materials happen to be inexpensive,and easy to manufacture.

As further recognized by the present invention, it is advantageous tofurther reduce the weight and expense of such an automobile by providingeffective yet inexpensive automotive subsystems, such as headlampsystems, for use in conjunction with the automobile. While existingheadlamp systems are effective, many existing systems include metalmounting components and consequently are relatively heavy. Moreover,many existing systems provide high and low head beams by incorporatingtwo separate bulb filaments, thus requiring the use of headlamps whichare relatively expensive vis-a-vis single filament bulbs. While it isdesirable to provide high and low head beams, it can be appreciated inlight of the discussion above that the cost of the subsystems intendedfor use in the present automobile preferably is minimized.

Still further, the elevation angle of the head beams of existingautomobile headlamp systems can be adjusted, if at all, only by using anappropriate tool to manipulate adjusting screws that are located on theheadlamp housings. As recognized by the present invention, however,while such adjusting means ordinarily are sufficient for relativelyheavy metal-bodied automobiles, a more convenient and less cumbersomemeans for adjusting the head beam elevation angle is desirable inplastic-bodied automobiles. This is because, as recognized herein, thepitch angle of a lightweight plastic-bodied automobile, whentransporting little weight, can vary markedly from the pitch angle ofthe automobile when, e.g., the rear trunk of the lightweight automobilesupports a heavy load. The present invention further recognizes that ina lightweight plastic-bodied automobile, the potentially large variationin the pitch angle of the automobile can require relatively frequentadjustment of the head beam elevation angle. For this reason, it isdesirable to provide an easier and more convenient means than iscurrently available for adjusting the elevation angle of a head beam.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide alightweight, inexpensive headlamp mount for a plastic-bodied automobile.Another object of the present invention is to provide a headlamp mountfor an automobile which is easy to use and cost-effective tomanufacture. Yet another object of the present invention is to provide ameans for adjusting the elevation angle of the head beam of anautomobile which is convenient, and which can be operated from thepassenger compartment of the automobile. Still another object of thepresent invention is to provide a high beam and a low beam in anautomobile headlamp system having single-filament, comparativelyinexpensive bulbs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A mount for holding a headlamp of an automobile having a headlampsupport element includes a headlamp housing for holding the headlamp.The headlamp housing defines a light beam axis. A base is formed with aclamp for engaging the headlamp support element, and the base is alsoformed with a support for pivotably engaging the headlamp housing. Anactuator is coupled to the headlamp housing and is reciprocatinglydisposed on the automobile for transforming translational motion of theactuator to pivotal motion of the headlamp housing. Consequently, theactuator can be moved to pivot the headlamp housing to a low beamorientation, wherein a first elevation angle is established between thelight beam axis and the ground directly beneath the mount, and a highbeam position, wherein a second elevation angle is established betweenthe light beam axis and the ground directly beneath the mount.

Preferably, the second elevation angle is higher than the firstelevation angle, and the headlamp housing and base are made ofinjection-molded plastic. In a preferred embodiment, the headlampsupport element is a frame rail of the automobile, and the clamp of thebase is a bracket having first and second clamping legs for straddlingthe frame rail therebetween. In accordance with the present invention,the first and second clamping legs define respective first and secondclamping surfaces, with each clamping surface being oriented toward theframe rail.

As intended by the present invention, the clamp defines a yaw anglerelative to the frame rail. The clamping legs are materially biased toestablish an interference fit between the clamp of the base and theframe rail, and each clamping surface is formed with a respectivenon-planar clamping rib which abuts the frame rail to permit selectivelyestablishing the yaw angle. At least one fastener is engaged with theclamp and the frame rail to inhibit relative motion between the clampand frame rail and thereby maintain the yaw angle.

In the preferred embodiment, the support of the base generally defines asemicircle having two ends terminating in respective channels.Advantageously, the headlamp housing is formed with opposed dowels forrotatably engaging respective channels.

In a most preferred embodiment, the actuator includes an activating rodand an activating shaft that is connected to the headlamp housing. Anear is formed on the activating shaft, and the ear extends radially awayfrom the shaft. As disclosed in detail below, the ear is connected tothe activating rod such that translational motion of the activating rodis transformed to rotational motion of the activating shaft and headlamphousing. Desirably, a sheath is disposed around at least a segment ofthe activating rod.

In another aspect of the present invention, a mounting system isdisclosed for selectively establishing an elevation angle of first andsecond single-filament automobile headlamps. The system of the presentinvention includes first and second headlamp holders attached to theautomobile for respectively pivotably holding the first and secondheadlamps. Moreover, the system includes an activating rod which iscoupled to the first and second holders and which is movable by anoccupant of the automobile to move the holders between a low beamorientation, wherein a first elevation angle is established between theheadlamps and the ground, and a high beam position, wherein a secondelevation angle is established between the headlamps and the ground.

In yet another aspect of the present invention, a method for selectivelyestablishing the elevation angle of a headlamp relative to an automobilefrom inside a passenger compartment of the automobile includes attachingthe headlamp to a headlamp housing. The method further includespivotably engaging the headlamp housing with a base, and attaching thebase to the automobile. An operating member is coupled to the headlamphousing, and then is selectively manipulated from inside the passengercompartment to pivot the headlamp housing relative to the base. Thereby,a desired elevation angle of the headlamp relative to the automobile isestablished.

The details of the present invention, both as to its structure andoperation, can best be understood in reference to the accompanyingdrawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like parts, and inwhich:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the automobile headlamp mounting systemof the present invention, shown in operable engagement with alightweight plastic-bodied automobile, with portions cut away forclarity;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the headlamp holders withactuator, with portions of the frame shown in phantom;

FIG. 3 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the headlamp housingclamping rib, as seen along the line 3--3 in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the activating shaft, as would beseen along the line 4--4 in FIG. 2 with the components cooperativelyengaged;

FIG. 5 is a partially exploded perspective view of the head beamelevation angle adjustor of the present invention, with the spoolintermediate the high and low beam positions, portions of the dashboardbroken away, and portions shown in phantom; and

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the elevation angle adjustor aswould be seen along the line 6--6 in FIG. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring initially to FIG. 1, a headlamp mounting system is shown,generally designated 10, which includes right and left headlamp holders12, 14 for pivotably holding respective right and left single filamentautomobile headlamps 16, 18 on an automobile 20. As disclosed in detailbelow, the system 10 includes an operating member 21 which is coupled tothe holders 12, 14 to permit selectively establishing an elevationalangle α between ground 22 that is directly beneath the automobile 20 andlight beam axes 24, 26 which are respectively defined by the headlamps16, 18. It will be understood that the elevational angle α is taken in aplane perpendicular to a generally horizontally-oriented frame 34 of theautomobile 20, and hence alternatively may be referred to as a "pitch"angle.

In accordance with the present invention, the elevation angle α isestablished to be relatively high to thereby establish a high beamorientation of the headlamps 16, 18. On the other hand, the elevationangle α is established to be relatively low to thereby establish a lowbeam orientation of the headlamps 16, 18.

As used herein, the terms "high" and "low" as applied to the elevationangle α are referenced to a longitudinal axis 28 of the automobile 20.For example, when the beams from the headlamps 16, 18 are directedtoward the ground, the elevation angle α is "low"; indeed, it isnegative. On the other hand, when the beams from the headlamps 16, 18are directed upwardly above the horizon, the elevation angle α ispositive and, thus, is "higher" than a negative or less positiveelevation angle.

Furthermore, the longitudinal axis 28 of the automobile 20 alsoestablishes a reference for the yaw of the headlamps 16, 18. Morespecifically, the angle in a plane parallel to the ground between thebeam from a headlamp 16, 18 and the longitudinal axis 28 defines the yawangle of the headlamp 16, 18.

In the presently preferred embodiment, the automobile 20 includes apower train 30 and a plastic body 32 mounted on the steel frame 34.Details of the automobile 20 are disclosed in the above-referencedpatent application. As disclosed in the above-referred to application,the automobile body 32 is made by injection molding of afiberglass-reinforced plastic composite engineering material.

FIGS. 2-4 show the details of the headlamp holders 12, 14 and actuator21 of the present invention. For simplicity of disclosure, the leftholder 14 will be discussed. It is to be understood, however, that theright headlamp holder 12 is in all essential respects identical inconfiguration and operation to the left holder 14, and indeed isinterchangeable with the left holder 14.

As shown best in FIG. 2, the left holder 14 includes an injection moldedplastic headlamp housing 36 for holding the right headlamp 16. As shown,the headlamp housing 36 is circularly configured for surroundinglyengaging the headlamp 16. To provide a means for disengaging andsecurely engaging the housing 36 with the headlamp 16, the housing 36 isformed with a discontinuity 38 that defines opposed ends 40, 42.

Each end 40, 42 is configured as a fastener fitting, and a screw 44,preferably a self-threading screw, can be engaged with the ends 40, 42and manipulated to vary the distance between the ends 40, 42.Accordingly, the housing 36 can be moved between an enlargedconfiguration, wherein the ends 40, 42 are spaced from each other andthe housing 36 can be positioned around the periphery of the headlamp16, and a hold configuration, wherein the ends 40, 42 are closelyjuxtaposed with each other and the housing 36 firmly grips the peripheryof the headlamp 16 in an interference fit.

FIG. 2 further shows that the housing 36 defines a light beam axis 46.It is to be understood that when the housing 36 is engaged with theheadlamp 16, the axis 46 is the axis of the light beam produced by theheadlamp 16.

Additionally, an injection molded plastic base 48 is formed with adownwardly-depending positioning member, referred to herein for brevityas a "clamp" 50, for engaging a headlamp support element of theautomobile 20. In the presently preferred embodiment, the headlampsupport element is a rail 52 of the frame 34 shown in FIG. 1, and therail 52 is parallel to the long axis 28 of the automobile 20.

As more fully disclosed below, the base 48 holds the headlamp housing 36to permit one degree of motion of the housing 36 relative to the base48. More specifically, as further disclosed below the base 48 holds thehousing 36 to permit pivotable motion of the housing 36 relative to thebase 48 only in the elevational (i.e., pitch) dimension of theautomobile 20.

As shown in FIG. 2, the clamp 50 of the base 48 is configured as abracket having first and second clamping legs 54, 56 for straddling theframe rail 52. The first and second clamping legs 54, 56 definerespective first and second clamping surfaces 58, 60 (surface 60 shownin phantom), with each clamping surface 58, 60 being oriented toward theframe rail 52.

Taking the first clamping leg 54 as an example, the clamping surface 58of the first clamping leg 54 is formed with a non-planar clamping rib 62that abuts the frame rail 52. Referring briefly to FIG. 3, the clampingrib 62 is generally wedge-shaped, and is formed with a gently roundedand thus non-planar apex 64. The apex 64 of the clamping rib 62establishes the clamping surface 58, and thus abuts the frame rail 52.It is to be understood that the second clamping leg 56 is in allessential respects identical in configuration to the first clamping leg54.

Referring back to FIG. 2, the distance between the clamping legs 54, 56is about equal to the width of the straddled frame rail 52. Further, theclamping legs 54, 56 are materially biased slightly toward each other,to consequently establish an interference fit between the clamping ribsof the clamp 50 and the frame rail 52.

As shown in FIG. 2, an arcuate front slot 66 is formed on a horizontalflange 68 of the base 48. An internally threaded hole or boss (notshown) is formed in the frame rail 52, and a screw 70 is threadablyengaged with the hole or boss, with the shank of the screw 70 extendingthrough the slot 66. Likewise, a back slot 66' with associated screw canbe formed in the base 48.

With this combination of structure, it readily can be appreciated thatthe yaw orientation of the base 48 relative to the frame rail 52 and,hence, relative to the long axis 28 of the automobile 20 is establishedby appropriately pivotably manipulating the base 48 on the frame rail 52in a plane parallel to the ground. As the base 48 is manipulated on theframe rail 52, the non-planar clamping ribs essentially roll against theframe rail 52, and contact is maintained between the clamping ribs andthe frame rail 52. Also, as the base 48 is manipulated, the slot 66 ofthe base 48 rides past the screw 70. When the desired yaw angle isestablished, the screw 70 is tightened to inhibit relative motionbetween the base 48 and the frame rail 52 and thereby maintain the yawangle.

Still referring to FIG. 2, the base 48 is formed with a support 72 forpivotably engaging the headlamp housing 36. The support 72 defines asemicircle having a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of theheadlamp housing 36. As shown in FIG. 2, the semicircle defined by thesupport 72 establishes two ends that terminate in respective generallytransversely-oriented channels 74, 76. In accordance with the presentinvention, the headlamp housing 36 is formed with opposed horizontal,generally transversely-oriented hollow cylindrical dowels 78, 80 forsnapping into the respective channels 74, 76 and rotatably engaging therespective channels 74, 76. This combination of structure facilitatespivotable movement of the headlamp housing 36 relative to the base 48 inthe elevational (i.e., pitch) dimension of the automobile 20.

Turning now to the details of the actuator 21 shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 2best shows that the actuator 21 includes an elongated solid metalactivating rod 82 which has a threaded front segment 84. The frontsegment 84 of the activating rod 82 is connected to an elongate,transversely-disposed hollow parallelepiped-shaped activating shaft 86.More particularly, the activating rod 82 is connected to an ear 87, andthe ear 87 has a base 87a formed with a parallelepiped-shaped channelfor closely receiving the shaft 86 therethrough. Thus, the base 87a ofthe ear 87 may be positioned anywhere along the shaft 86 to avoidinterference with other components of the automobile 20.

As shown, the ear 87 protrudes radially outwardly from the shaft 86.Preferably, the activating rod 82 is a slightly flexible one-eighth inch(1/8") diameter solid metal rod, although the activating rod 82 couldbe, e.g., a one-sixteenth inch (1/16") diameter metal cable. To hold therod 82 in engagement with the ear 87 and, hence, the shaft 86, first andsecond limiter nuts 88, 89 are threadably engaged with the front segment84 with the ear 87 sandwiched between the nuts 88, 89.

In accordance with the principles of the present invention, the shaft 86is connected to the headlamp housing 36. Preferably, as best shown inFIG. 4 a cylindrical-to-rectangular adapter 90 is formed with acylindrical channel 92 for closely receiving the dowel 80 therein in aninterference fit therewith. Also, the adapter 90 is formed with aparallelepiped-shaped extension 94 which is received in the hollowactuating shaft 86. Thereby, the shaft 86 is coupled to the housing 36.It is to be appreciated that the shaft 86 is likewise coupled to thehousing of the right headlamp holder 12.

Accordingly, it may now be appreciated that translational movement ofthe activating rod 82 along the long axis 28 of the automobile 20 istransformed to rotational motion of the shaft 86 about its long axis. Inturn, rotational motion of the shaft 86 about its long axis causespivotable movement of the housing 36 relative to the base 48. As statedabove, the shaft 86 is likewise connected to a headlamp housing 36' ofthe right holder 12. Consequently, by appropriately moving theactivating rod 82, the elevation angle α of the headlamps 16, 18 can beestablished. If desired, a hollow plastic sheath 114 (FIG. 2) can bepositioned around bent segments of the rod 82 to support the bentsegments.

FIGS. 5 and 6 show the details of an actuator, generally designated 120,for manipulating the activating rod 82. As shown, the actuator 120 isconnected to a rear end segment 122 of the activating rod 82. Asintended by the present invention and disclosed in detail below, theactuator 120 can be grasped by an occupant of the automobile 20 andmanipulated to move the activating rod 82 to thereby cause pivotalmotion of the headlamps 16, 18 relative to the automobile 20.

FIGS. 5 and 6 show that in the presently preferred embodiment, the rearend segment 122 of the activating rod 82 is threaded. Additionally, ahollow rigid plastic spool 124 is formed with a threaded inner surface126 for threadably engaging the spool 124 with the rear end segment 122.

As shown, the spool 124 is formed with a front disc-shaped flange 128and a rear disc-shaped flange 130. Both flanges 128, 130 protruderadially outwardly from the threaded inner surface 126 of the spool 124.As intended by the present invention, the distance between the flanges128, 130 establish a mechanical memory for the high and low beamorientations of the headlamps 16, 18. In other words, the relativedifference between the high and low beam orientations of the headlamps16, 18 is established by the distance between the flanges 128, 130 ofthe spool 124.

The spool 124 extends through an opening 133 of the dashboard 134 of theautomobile 20, with the flanges 128, 130 positioned on opposite sides ofthe dashboard 134 from each other. The opening 133 defines a recess 136,and as best shown in FIG. 6, a crescent-shaped mounting bracket 138 ispositioned in the recess 136 so as to be flush with the dashboard 134.In the presently preferred embodiment, the mounting bracket 138 isaffixed to the dashboard 134 by two screws (not shown) to hold the spool124 in slidable engagement with the dashboard 134.

As shown best in FIG. 6, the dashboard 134 defines a front surface 142and a rear surface 144. Preferably, a manipulable plastic operator, suchas, e.g., an operating knob 146, is attached to the rear end of theactivating rod 82 by means well-known in the art, e.g., threading orsolvent bonding the knob 146 to the rod 82.

With this disclosure in mind, it may now be appreciated that theoperating knob 146 can be pushed toward the dashboard 134 to cause thefront flange 128 of the spool 124 to abut the front surface 142 of thedashboard 134. Thereby, a low beam position of the actuator 120 isestablished. As intended by the present invention, the low beam positionof the actuator 120 corresponds to a low beam orientation of theheadlamps 16, 18. In the low beam orientation, it will be appreciatedthat the elevation angle α (FIG. 1) of the headlamps 16, 18 is small orindeed negative, in which case the headlamps 16, 18 direct theirrespective beams toward the ground.

It may now be further appreciated that the operating knob 146 can bepulled away from the dashboard 134 to cause the rear flange 130 of thespool 124 to abut the rear surface 144 of the dashboard 134. Thereby, ahigh beam position of the actuator 120 is established. This high beamposition of the actuator 120 corresponds to a high beam orientation ofthe headlamps 16, 18, in which the elevation angle α of the headlamps16, 18 is greater than it was in the low beam orientation.

As the skilled artisan will recognize, the spool 124 can be rotated byan occupant of the automobile 20 to cause the spool 124 to traveltranslationally relative to the activating rod 82, owing to thethreadable engagement therebetween. Consequently, by rotating the spool124, an occupant can selectively establish the high beam position of theactuator 120 and, owing to the mechanical memory afforded by the spool124, the low beam position as well. Thus, the high and low beamorientations of the headlamps 16, 18 can be established.

While the particular MULTIDIRECTIONAL HEADLAMP MOUNT WITH MANUALLYADJUSTABLE ELEVATION ANGLE as herein disclosed and described in detailis fully capable of attaining the above-described objects of theinvention, it is to be understood that it is the presently preferredembodiment of the present invention and is thus representative of thesubject matter which is broadly contemplated by the present invention,that the scope of the present invention fully encompasses otherembodiments which may become obvious to those skilled in the art, andthat the scope of the present invention is accordingly to be limited bynothing other than the appended claims.

We claim:
 1. A mount for holding a headlamp of an automobile having aheadlamp support element, comprising:a headlamp housing for holding theheadlamp, the headlamp housing defining a light beam axis; a base formedwith a clamp for engaging the headlamp support element, the clampdefining a yaw angle relative to the headlamp support element, the clamphaving clamping legs materially biased to establish an interference fitbetween the clamp and the headlamp support element, each clamping legbeing formed with a respective non-planar clamping rib abutting theheadlamp support element to permit selectively establishing the yawangle and a support configured for pivotally engaging the headlamphousing; and an actuator coupled to the headlamp housing andreciprocatingly disposed on the automobile, the actuator beingconfigured for transforming translational motion of the actuator topivotal motion of the headlamp housing, such that the actuator can bemoved to pivot the headlamp housing to a low beam orientation, wherein afirst elevation angle is established between the light beam axis and theground directly beneath the mount, and a high beam position, wherein asecond elevation angle is established between the light beam axis andthe ground directly beneath the mount.
 2. The mount of claim 1, whereinthe second elevation angle is higher than the first elevation angle, andwherein the headlamp housing and base are made of injection-moldedplastic.
 3. The mount of claim 2, wherein the headlamp support elementis a frame rail of the automobile, and the clamp of the base is abracket having first and second clamping legs for straddling the framerail therebetween, the first and second clamping legs definingrespective first and second clamping surfaces, each clamping surfacebeing oriented toward the frame rail.
 4. The mount of claim 3, furthercomprising at least one fastener engaged with the clamp and the framerail to inhibit relative motion between the clamp and frame rail andthereby maintain the yaw angle.
 5. The mount of claim 3, wherein thesupport of the base generally defines a semicircle having two endsterminating in respective channels, and the headlamp housing is formedwith opposed dowels for rotatably engaging respective channels.
 6. Themount of claim 5, wherein the actuator includes:an activating rod; anactivating shaft connected to the headlamp housing; and an ear formed onthe activating shaft and extending radially away therefrom, the earbeing connected to the activating rod such that translational motion ofthe activating rod is transformed to rotational motion of the activatingshaft and headlamp housing.
 7. The mount of claim 6, further comprisinga sheath disposed around at least a segment of the activating rod. 8.The mount of claim 6, wherein the headlamp housing and base are a firstheadlamp housing and base, respectively, of a headlamp mounting system,the headlamp is a first headlamp, and the headlamp mounting systemfurther comprises a second headlamp housing and second base for holdinga second headlamp, the second headlamp housing and second base beingsubstantially identical in configuration and operation to the firstheadlamp and first base, respectively, the activating shaft beingconnected to the second headlamp housing.
 9. A method for selectivelyestablishing the elevation angle of a headlamp relative to an automobilefrom inside a passenger compartment of the automobile, comprising thesteps of:(a) attaching the headlamp to a headlamp housing; (b) pivotallyengaging the headlamp housing with a base including at least oneclamping surface; (c) attaching the base to the automobile; (c1)pivoting the base relative to the automobile to cause preselectedportions of the clamping surface to contact the automobile and therebyestablish a predetermined yaw angle of the base with respect to theautomobile; (d) coupling an operating member to the headlamp housing;and (e) selectively manipulating the operating member from inside thepassenger compartment to pivot the headlamp housing relative to the baseand thereby establish a desired elevation angle of the headlamp relativeto the automobile.
 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising thesteps of:forming the base with a bracket having two opposedinwardly-oriented non-planar clamping surfaces; positioning the bracketon the automobile in a straddling relationship therewith, with a portionof each clamping surface abutting the automobile; and affixing the baseto the automobile to inhibit pivotal motion of the base relative to theautomobile to thereby maintain the predetermined yaw angle.